InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dashed Hopes ❯ An Old Ally ( Chapter 4 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

I'll probably start to use -chan, -san, and -sama when I become more comfortable with the terms, so be prepared when I start to sleep them in. Please review!

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Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. I wish I did though...

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Dashed Hopes

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--- Last Chapter ---

Kagome closed her eyes and started to mentally prepare herself for the first sight of their new home.

--- End of Last Chapter ---

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Chapter 4: An Old Ally

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As the car pulled onto a long winding road, Kagome looked closer at her surroundings. Set apart between vast expanses of land were great mansions. They were castles in their own rights, that was how large they were.

Sango suddenly turned onto a driveway near the end of the lane, which ended abruptly at a large sapphire lake instead of joining another road.

Kagome gasped as they drove up the slight incline of concrete. The grass was still a perfect emerald green and very lush. Sakura trees lined the road like beautiful guards. The driveway curved back into itself at the foot of the house with a island of land in the center.

The mansion itself was magnificent. It had four floors, not counting the basement or the attic. It was made of a stone that was a creamy white. Every window on the top three floors had a beautiful, small balcony leading off of it. Four large pillars stood out front, two on each side of the door, which reached the third floor. Between the base of the pillars and the door was a veranda where guests could sit out and chat while sitting on beautiful white wicker furniture. It was, to put it bluntly, huge. The roof tapered off into a pointed triangle.

It was surrounded on every side, but the front, by tall Fir Pine trees. Out front were rose bushes, which would have white and red blossoms when the flowers were in bloom.

Beyond that were rolling hills that stretched out several acres to the foot of a massive forest that covered the land behind all of the houses in this part of the city.

They were far outside Tokyo; Kagome hadn’t noted that until now. The shelter had been near the edge of the city so they hadn’t had to travel too far to get there, maybe a half-hour drive.

If Kagome squinted she could see the tennis courts.

“Wow,” she breathed. The boys nodded their heads in shocked agreement.

Miroku and Sango smiled at each other. She obviously liked it, and that made them happy.

“Sango,” came a cry from the front door of the mansion. Kohaku was home schooled by the nanny-like person who worked at Sango’s home, so he was there, even this early in the day.

Sango had called ahead so that Kohaku would have the day off to meet their new housemates.

“Hey Kohaku,” Sango called out cheerfully. They were close, as close as Souta and Kagome if not more so.

Souta and Shippou grinned at the sight of another boy and the three went off to go explore after a quick introduction.

“I’ll explain my plan once we’re settled,” Sango told Kagome.

Kagome nodded and started off towards the house. When Miroku started after the black haired beauty, Sango caught his elbow and pulled him back. She then whispered what she wanted him to do into his ear so that the last parts of her plan could fall into place. Once she was sure Miroku understood, Sango picked up what was left of the lugage and started after Kagome, Miroku stayed behind and pulled out his cell phone to call a friend from work. After a quick conversation, and a lot of explainations, the violet eyed man stood out for awhile until a car pulled up the driveway. Getting an envelope from the driver and muttering his thanks, Miroku started up to the house, just in time to see Kagome and Sango coming back outside with some snacks and refreshments.

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“Kagome, you can’t hide forever,” Sango started. They were sitting under the shade in the veranda. The three sat to one side in three separate chairs facing each other, each holding a glass of mint tea.

Kagome nodded eagerly. “I’m not one to run away with my tail between my legs,” she admitted. "I may have come here to bring the boys out of danger, but I want to fix this problem as soon as I can. I want a normal life again. But if I have to take a few precautions first, so be it."

Miroku was the one who nodded this time; he had guessed that about Kagome already. She faced her problems head on, not forever running from them. But she wasn't dense enough to tackle a problem without being properly backed up first.

“First off, you, Souta, and Shippou are welcome to stay here for as long as you want,” Sango stated seriously. She enjoyed another girl’s company and it felt good to have people in her home once again. Plus Kohaku needed someone his own age to interact with.

“Thank you, we really appreciate this,” Kagome said, gratitude evident in her voice.

Sango smiled. “I’m happy about that.”

“You need a job, something to do during the day. Something to get money from,” Miroku started.

“Yeah, I know that. But to apply for a job you have to fill out an application, to do that I’d have to use my name and he might find out.” Kagome wondered out loud.

“We know that. That’s why I called in and got this,” Miroku handed Kagome a manila folder.

“What’s this?” Kagome asked. ‘Why in all the hells was Miroku acting like some kind of secret agent?’

Opening it up she pulled out a group of papers. They were birth certificates for ‘Souta Shashu’, ‘Shippou Shashu’, and ‘Kagome Shashu’. There was also a high school degree, master’s degree, and several other degrees that she had already earned, only for ‘Kagome Shashu’. There was a driver’s license and several credit cards for her too.

“What in the world?” Kagome mused out loud.

“I work for the Japanese government and a pulled a few favors in the Witness Protection Program. A couple of people owed me,” Miroku explained.

“Shashu?” Kagome raised a brow.

“I thought it fit you,” Miroku explained. Shashu meant archer in Japanese.

“Me too,” Sango agreed.

“Now you can have a new identity and can get a job and stuff like that,” Miroku continued.

“Like live a life,” Sango added.

Kagome was awe struck. “Wow!” she gasped, dumbstuck at Sango and Miroku's help.

“Yeah I know,” Sango said. Turning to Miroku she patted him on the head like he was a pet worth praising, “He actually comes in handy sometimes.”

Miroku swatted her hand playfully away and pouted.

Kagome laughed. “One problem,” she went back to the more serious matters. “How am I going to find a job? It’ll be pretty hard,” she sighed. "I've only had one job before and the guy I'm running from was the one to get me hired. I'm not the best at searching the want ads."

Sango took on a nervous look. “Well, we kind of have a solution for that...” she trailed off while twiddling her thumbs.

Kagome looked at the brunette through narrowed eyes; “I knew this came with a catch.”

Miroku chuckled nervously, “It’s not all that bad.”

“Well what is my new job going to be?” Kagome asked exasperated.

“My secretary,” came a growl from behind them. Kagome turned to see Inuyasha Youkai leaning against a pillar in all his glory.

Kagome swallowed and mentally groaned. ‘Oh great! I get stuck with Mr. Biggest-Jerk-Of-All-Time.’ She sighed. “When do I start?” she asked in a small voice staring at her flip-flops.

“I wasn’t aware I was that bad,” Inuyasha rolled his eyes while smirking. “Tomorrow,” he added seriously.

Kagome’s eye began to twitch but she held back the urge to wipe that smirk off his face. ‘No need to hurt my future boss so soon,’ she reminded herself sternly.

Inuyasha pulled up a forth chair and sat between his two best friends. He sat directly across from Kagome.

“Thanks Inuyasha, we really appreciate it,” Sango told him sincerely.

“Yeah, big help,” Kagome grunted out.

Miroku resisted the ever increasing urge to snort in laughter. He’d grow to love to watch these two bicker. It was damn good entertainmant after all.

Kagome stopped glaring at her new boss long enough to quickly look around. The light had definitely gotten a lot darker in the last hour since they arrived. Odd since it should have been almost noon.

Kagome got up and walked to the foot of the veranda and peered upward into the great expanse of gray heavens. Just as her face was fully upward a fat raindrop landed in the center of her forehead. In mere seconds rain was pouring down in sheets and thunder shook the air. Lightning forked over head. “Shit,” Kagome cursed. She’d been doing that a lot lately, she realized.

Stepping out onto the driveway she looked around for the rest of her tiny family.

‘She really is insane,’ Inuyasha thought as he watched her get soaked to the bone.

“Souta, Shippou!” Kagome called out into the gloom.

“Here Okaa-san!” came a shrill cry from her left. She turned to see Shippou, Souta, and Kohaku racing to the house.

The four walked up and into front door. They excused themselves and left to get some dry clothes. Kagomge went to exchange her clothes for long jean skirt and a white blouse so she'd not only be dry, but comfortable too.

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Just as the three young boys and woman left the downstairs the doorbell rang.

“Wonder who that is,” Sango muttered as she answered the door.

Outside was an extremely attractive young man probably around the same age as Inuyasha, 24 years old. He had long brown hair pulled into a high pony tale and piercing ice blue eyes. He was wearing a nice set of clothes, blue being the dominate color.

He gave a quick grin and Sango said quickly to the guy, “Come in.” Miraculously the man was barely wet.

Leading him into the living room, Sango started to introduce them, “That’s Miroku and Inuyasha, and I’m Sango. How can we help you?” Sango said politely.

“Oh I hope you can, my name is-" he began charmingly but was cut off.

“Kouga!” came a squeal from the grand staircase justout side the doors. They all turned to see an excited Kagome come running in and engulf the man in a backbreaking hug. Miroku stood from his chair. He was protective of his friends and in his mind he was thinking this might be the man that had hurt Kagome.

Kagome let go of Kouga and jumped back to get a better look at him.

Kouga flashed her a boyish smile before turning back to Sango, “You were a big help! I found what I came looking for.”

“Kouga, how did you know where to find me?” Kagome asked.

Kouga turned back to her and frowned. “That jerk came looking for you. He said everything was all right, that you just left for a small vacation and he needed to contact you. He bothered every one of your old friends. I knew something was wrong so I called around looking for you.”

“Naraku,” Kagome hissed under her breath. The other three adults, except Kouga, leaned forward to catch the name of Kagome’s enemy. At least now they could put a name to the evil deeds. A look of anger passed over everyone’s faces. Then Kouga continued.

“I called an old friend here, Jinenji, and he said he’d seen you at a shelter. The 'Sakura Hide-Away' he'd said. That worried me so I pressed him and found out that a Miss Sango Taijai knew you, so I came to find you.” Kagome’s look changed to a smile as he pulled her into another hug. “We’re all so worried about you Kagome. Your mom especially,” Kouga added.

Kagome pulled back, “You can’t tell anyone where I am,” she stated seriously.

Kouga nodded. “I figured that much out.”

Kagome turned back to her confused friends; “Kouga is an old friend of mine from Kyoto. We’ve know each other since we were young.” Miroku nodded and sat back down.

“Now that I’ve found you, I better be getting back,” Kouga said. There was a longing in his voice to stay with his friend but he ignored it. “Back in Kyoto, I’ll cover your tracks,” he told her.

“Thank you Kouga, you have no idea how happy I am to see you again. It’s been three years,” she realized with a start.

Kouga laughed. “Yep! I haven’t seen you since graduation,” he grinned.

Kagome joined in the laughter; “You grew! Now you’re even taller! I feel so short,” she continued.

“You always felt short,” Kouga chuckled. He smiled and nodded apologetically to his old friend, and crush, and turned to leave. “Better go,” he called out over his shoulder. He had a lot of work to do back home.

“Give Mom a kiss for me,” Kagome pleaded from where she stood. She refused to follow him to the door. She hated good-byes.

“I will,” he called before closing the door behind him. Kagome sighed, she wished he could have stayed longer; they really needed to catch up.

“Right,” Sango said from behind her.

Kagome jumped. She had forgotten there were more people there. She flashed a quick smile. A spark had brightened up her eyes, which did not go unnoticed by the rest of the people.

“Who was that?” Kohaku asked his sister as he and the boys clambered down the stairs, now dressed in dry clothes.

“An old friend of mine, Kouga Ookami,” Kagome answered for Sango.

Souta’s eyes took on a sparkle, “Kouga?!”

Kagome smiled. “Yep, Kouga.”

Souta pouted. “Why didn’t you call me? I haven’t seen Kouga in forever! Is he any different? Did he say anything about me? Is he still going to teach me soccer moves still?”

“Sorry kid. He was only here for a few minutes. You can talk to him later. You can ask him about soccer then,” Kagome apologized.

“You just wanted to keep him to yourself!” Souta accused.

Kagome blushed a pretty pink color. “That’s not true!”

“Riiiiiiight,” Souta sang out, rolling his eyes. Like sister, like brother.

“You know very well young man that me and Kouga are just friends!” Kagome scolded.

Miroku chuckled from the chair he was sitting in. He liked Kagome’s arguments. They were an extremely good way to pass time.

Too bad that chuckle drew her blue-eyed gaze to him. “And what, pray tell, are you laughing at Mr. Houshi.”

Sango snorted. It was funny to hear someone address Miroku in a formal sense.

“Nothing, Miss. Shashu,” Miroku replied a grin on his face.

Kagome looked confused for a moment before realization dawned on her. “I’ll have to get used to that,” she muttered.

Inuyasha watched this all with interest. It was weird watching from the sidelines and not being a part of the disagreement. He liked the feeling, though not enough to give up arguing. Like that would be happening anytime soon...

The rest of the evening went without many events. The men left at dark and Sango pulled the new occupants of her house upstairs.

On the fourth floor were the ‘Shashu’ family’s rooms. The entire floor was made up of only three rooms, all on the same hallway, and one gargantuan library. The three rooms were huge! All roughly the size of an average house’s living room and family room put together. Shippou’s was done in all red, Souta’s in blue, and Kagome’s in green. Kagome was thrilled to see a queen sized canopy bed fit for a princess. After tucking the boys in, Kagome changed into a floor length, silky nightdress that she'd found at the bottom of the clothes bag that she had overlooked earlier at the SHA.

Slipping into bed, she instantly fell asleep.

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She woke up just after dawn and took a long shower in the bathroom on their floor. It, also, happened to be large. Kagome changed into a toffee colored blouse and a pair of black dress pants and pulled her still wet hair into a loose bun at the bottom of her neck. She then slipped on a pair of small leather heals that looked stylish but Kagome was sure she'd still be able to walk by the end of the day. She wanted to look nice for her first official day at Inuyasha's work, the Inutaisho Company. The stubborn young woman hated to admit it, but he was doing her a big favor by letting her work there.

Walking down the stairs she went into the very yellow kitchen. Nervous about her first day of work, Kagome declined Sango’s offer of toast. Sango was already ready for her shift at the shelter.

“What about the boys?” Kagome asked, suddenly worried.

Sango chuckled. “Our butler and nanny, of some sorts, will take care of them.”

“Oh?”

“Keade and Myouga are pretty good with children. They’re a bit on the older, and odder, side, but they take great care of Kohaku. Keade even treats him like her own grandson. Myouga just puts up with him, which is a hard job of it’s own.” Sango explained in further detail.

Kagome nodded and smiled. Her fresh white bandage was still very noticeable even under her heavy black bangs, Sango realized. She didn’t say anything about it.

Taking a deep breath, Kagome asked, “How will I be able to get to work?”

Sango threw her a set of keys. Kagome said a quick goodbye before walking out the back door to the rather large garage that was hidden behind a group of oak trees. It seemed everything on Sango's property was big. Clicking a button attached to the set of keys, a light flashed notifying Kagome the position of the car she would be using. Kagome’s eyes slid over the sleek, black, Italian sports car.

Sliding in Kagome pulled out and started in the direction of the city. She relied on her memory of the ride to the parade to find Inuyasha’s building.

Sighing, Kagome 'Shashu' prepared herself for the first day of her new life.

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A/N: I hope that chapter helped explain a few things and you’re not too confused.

The next chapter is all about Kagome’s day at work and there should be a bit of excitement. Sorry in advance if Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha seem a little OOC.

Ja ne!